There is a lot to see and do outside of the obvious destinations of Gibraltar city center and even the Upper Rock. Gibraltar has a quieter and less frequented side with natural beauty and views of the Mediterranean that should not be missed.
Alameda Botanical Gardens
The gardens serve as a lush and peaceful haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located next to the cable car station, just a 10-minute walk from the city center, the Alameda Gardens have been a part of Gibraltar for many years. Here you will find an impressive and well-organized variety of tree and plant species, along with quiet areas where you can have a picnic or rest in the shade. A small playground is located at the lower edge of the park next to the Alameda Open Air Theater, a magical place used during the summer for local shows.
Don’t miss the charming wildlife conservation park that forms part of the upper edge of the gardens. Run by 3 full-time workers and several dedicated volunteers, the wildlife park is home to abandoned or homeless animals, many of whom have arrived by boats. It is currently home to many species of birds, turtles, reptiles, bats, prairie dogs, pigs, monkeys, and more.
100 ton pistol
Of only four 100-ton guns ever created in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, two remain in Gibraltar and the other two are stationed in Malta. Although they were never fired, the two 100-ton guns could easily reach ships in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Parson Lodge
This is an old British fort that was built to protect Rosia Bay and was used by naval galleons to collect ammunition and supplies during the war. After the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the damaged British flagship, HMS Victory, was brought to Rosia Bay. On board the ship, the body of Admiral Nelson was found inside a brandy barrel tied around the central mast. Later, his body was transferred to another ship and taken back to England for burial.
Beaches
If you like a natural and quiet beach in summer, we recommend that you go to the Atlantic beaches of Spain to find it. However, Gibraltar’s beaches offer their own interest in terms of the local vibe and if you don’t mind the crowds it can be a good day.
Most people come loaded with picnics and drinks in coolers, umbrellas and chairs, ready for a full day, although the beaches have basic kiosk facilities for emergency drinks, candy or ice cream.
Catalan Bay
The bay dates back to the 18th century when Genoese fishermen settled here. Today it is a favorite summer retreat for beach-loving Gibraltarians. As it is located on the eastern side of the Rock, the sun sinks behind the summit earlier than on the western side, offering a welcome break from the summer heat. Do not forget to stop for a morning coffee on the terrace of the Caleta Hotel and enjoy its panoramic views in an exquisite setting. Catalan Bay has a popular fish restaurant at the top of the hill and a few sweet or ice cream kiosks.
Sandy Bay
Continuing 200 meters along the Catalan Bay road, you reach Sandy Bay, another popular beach, also with a small kiosk for emergency refreshments. The beach is flanked by the condo complex, Both Worlds.
East Beach
This is the largest stretch of the three sandy beaches located on the east side of the Rock and is very popular with the locals, being the closest to the city.
To camp Bay
On the western side of the Rock, just past Rosia Bay (a concrete lido that needs a lot of repair), Camp Bay is just past a short rock tunnel. At first glance, to be honest, it looks more like an ugly concrete lido sticking out of the sea. But take a closer look and you’ll find that it is ideal for children with its large swimming pool and toddler pool, plus play park, as well as a couple of kiosks, a bar / restaurant, and a small sandy cove. Here you can also enjoy the magnificent views of the Strait of Spain and the many ships anchored offshore.
Little bay
Continue through another tunnel and you will reach Little Bay, another lido with smaller scale pools and facilities than at Camp Bay. The sea water in Camp Bay and Little Bay is generally crystal clear and is considered the cleanest in Gibraltar.
The marinas
There are two marinas in Gibraltar: Ocean Village and Queensway Quay. Both offer first-class berthing and facilities, as well as a number of stylish dock-side restaurants and bars. Ocean Village is the larger of the two and consequently offers a greater variety of terrace bars and restaurants, as well as several real estate agencies and boutiques.
From both marinas, several companies offer boat trips to see dolphins and / or whales in the wild. Not only do the boats allow you to see these magnificent creatures up close, but you can also enjoy great views of the Rock, Spain, and Morocco, making for an unforgettable experience.
Europa Point
Still clamoring for government investment, this stunning resort offers its own form of natural beauty in the breathtaking and expansive views it offers. This is the southernmost tip of Europe, from where you can see the Strait of Gibraltar, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. On a clear day it is easy to see houses in Morocco and the mystical Rif Mountains.
Mosque
Built in 1997, the mosque is logically located at Europa Point facing Morocco, to serve the Muslim population of Gibraltar. The mosque can be visited at certain times of the day.
The lighthouse
Sitting on precarious Europa Point, this lighthouse has witnessed many sunken ships that have fallen to the dangers of the fierce winds and currents found at this point. The lighthouse dates from 1841 and stands 49 meters above sea level with a range of around 37 kilometers.
Whale and dolphin watching
The warm waters of the Mediterranean make Gibraltar an ideal place for dolphins. Regular dolphin safaris depart from Gibraltar for one or two hour tours of the bay of Algeciras, home to a large community of dolphins. Boat trips depart from the popular Bay Marina for a few hours or a full day. Long-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, common and striped dolphins can be seen regularly throughout the year. From April to June the sperm whales migrate through the Strait of Gibraltar and in July / August the killer whales arrive in the area. Every now and then, you will be lucky enough to see a fin whale, the second largest species of whale.
For more information on the above, contact the Gibraltar Tourist Office, tel. 00 350 200 45000.
